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Current Trends of and Suggestions for the Interpretation and Research of the Great Learning in 18th-century Joseon

  • Journal of Humanities
  • 2024, (93), pp.037-073
  • DOI : 10.31310/HUM.093.02
  • Publisher : Institute for Humanities
  • Research Area : Humanities > Other Humanities
  • Received : April 18, 2024
  • Accepted : May 3, 2024
  • Published : May 31, 2024

Lee Si-yeon 1

1성균관대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study aims to meticulously analyze the trends of previous research on the interpretation of the Great Learning (大學) in 18th century Joseon and to propose directions for future research. The Joseon dynasty was founded in 1392 with the Neo-Confucian ideals and doctrines as the state ideology. In particular, Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism remained a central subject of scholarly inquiry and practice for Joseon scholars until the end of the dynasty. By the 17th century, the understanding of Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism had deepened. Within this context, the Great Learning became a fundamental text for scholarly inquiry, and especially the system of Commentaries on the Daxue (Daxue Zhangju, 大學章句) edited by Zhu Xi became a significant area of research. However, existing research tended to focus on interpretations by specific figures like Jeong Yak-yong and Jeong Je-du, who deviated from Zhu Xi’s views. This approach suggests that the scholarship of 18th century Joseon attempted to overcome Zhu Xi’s teachings and explore new academic frontiers. While such a perspective is crucial for understanding the 18th century, it alone does not fully capture the richness of Joseon’s scholarly landscape at the time. The interpretation of the Great Learning in 18th century Joseon needs to encompass not only the previously focused areas such as “practical learning”, “Yangmingism”, and “disciplines of kingship” but also include the broader context of Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism. This paper will examine five key questions: What sources were consulted? How were the discussions framed? What themes were addressed? Where were the theories applied? What are the distinctive features of Joseon scholars’ interpretations in East Asia? It will characterize the 18th-century Joseon interpretation of the Great Learning through emerging scholarly perspectives, diversification with regard to the trend of writings, enrichment of textual debates, and the appearance of related works like Lectures on Classics and History (經史講議) and ultimately, compare these aspects in the context of East Asia. This period was the pinnacle of Neo-Confucianism in Joseon, a time when deep philosophical insights emerged, which also marked the beginning of new ideological movements. Through this research, the scholarly interests and achievements of Joseon scholars regarding the Great Learning will be objectively assessed to establish a foundation for the history of Joseon scholarship, and ultimately, to position the scholarship of 18th century Joseon within the history of East Asian thoughts. It is hoped that this exploration and proposal will contribute significantly to clarifying the true landscape of Korea’s scholarly history.

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